Region 26 Team To Beat: Marion Local looking for third straight title

The Flyers have won back-to-back D-VI state titles and now drop down to D-VII. ML
lost just six players to graduation. “Although we have the bulk of our
team back, we do have some big shoes to fill,” head coach Tim Goodwin
(154-40 in 14 years) said. The bulk that returns is talented.

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Team To Beat

*Marion Local (13-2, D-VI State Champions): The Flyers have won back-to-back D-VI state titles and now drop down to D-VII. ML lost just six players to graduation. “Although we have the bulk of our team back, we do have some big shoes to fill,” head coach Tim Goodwin (154-40 in 14 years) said. “We lost three linebackers to graduation, with two of them being first team All-MAC. We have a handful of guys who have been working their way back from injury and have not been able to participate fully in the offseason program, which is a concern. Like any small school, we will be a little thin in terms of depth at a couple of positions.” The bulk that returns is talented. Senior QB Adam Bertke (6-6, 200) has committed to Pitt and is 26-4 as a starter. He’s accounted for 57 TDs the last two years and doubles as a standout DB (first team All-MAC last year after making 68 tackles and four INTs). Bertke is joined in the backfield (both offensive and defensive) by junior RB/DB Jacey Goettemoeller (5-11, 175). One of the state’s most versatile players and a first team All-MAC selection as a sophomore, Goettemoeller ran for 1,576 yards and had 402 yards receiving last year. He scored 31 TDs. On defense, Goettemoeller had five INTs and 51 tackles. The OL will be anchored by seniors Jason Brunswick (6-1, 240/3-year starter) and Sam Poeppelman (6-3, 290). Junior DB/P Dustin Rethman (6-0, 180/four INTs, 38.2 yard punting average) and sophomore WR/RB/KR Hunter Wilker (6-0, 180/579 yards receiving, eight TDs) are key pieces. The Flyers have six state titles (all since 2000) and are 48-9 all-time in the playoffs.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________